Biodiversity and Wildlife

Biodiversity and Wildlife Resilience: Protecting Nature’s Balance

Biodiversity strengthens ecosystems and helps them adapt to change. By taking action to protect species and their habitats, we strengthen resilience for people, nature, and future generations.

Learn About Local Keystone Species

Some species are especially important because they help keep whole ecosystems in balance. I will spend (___) minutes learning about a keystone species near me and how it supports biodiversity and resilience.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Keystone Species 101

Climate Action: What are Keystone Species, and Why do They Matter?

Watch: Some Animals Are More Equal than Others: Keystone Species and Trophic Cascades (19:28 mins)
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DAILY ACTION
Learn About Biodiversity Hotspots

Biodiversity hotspots are places with many unique species that are also at risk. I will spend (___) minutes learning about one hotspot and reflect on why protecting it matters for resilience.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Biodiversity Hotspots Basics from Nat Geo

Map: Explore the World's Biodiversity Hotspots

7 Biodiversity Hotspots Around the World That You Should Know
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DAILY ACTION
Learn About Indigenous Conservation Practices

Indigenous communities have long stewarded lands, waters, and ecosystems using practices rooted in intergenerational knowledge and deep connections to nature. I will spend (___) minutes learning how Indigenous stewardship supports biodiversity and resilience, and reflect on lessons I can apply.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Three Ways Indigenous Knowledge Protects Nature

Explore Resources on the Cultural Transfer of Knowledge with the National Park Service

Watch: TED Salon: How Indigenous Guardians Protect the Planet and Humanity (13:56 mins)
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DAILY ACTION
Learn About Wildlife Corridors

Wildlife corridors allow animals to move safely between habitats. I will spend (___) minutes learning how corridors support resilience and, if possible, identify one in my region.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Explainer: What are Wildlife Corridors?

Wildlife Corridor Examples

Watch: How 'Wildlife Corridors' are Protecting Animals (2:31 mins)
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DAILY ACTION
Learn to Be a Responsible Pet Owner

Being a responsible pet owner means minimizing the impact pets have on wildlife by keeping them indoors, never setting them 'free' into nature, and supervising pets when they are outside to prevent them from hunting or disturbing wild animals. This also keeps our pets safe from harm. I will spend (___) minutes learning about ways to ensure my pet’s behavior and care practices protect local wildlife and their ecosystems.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Tips for Keeping Cats and Dogs Safe Around Wildlife

Why Leash Laws Matter (And Alternatives to Breaking Them!)

Why Releasing a Pet to the Wild is Never the Right Thing - and What to do Instead
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DAILY ACTION
Reduce Light Pollution

Too much artificial light can confuse and harm animals, especially those active at night. I will reduce sources of outdoor light or switch to wildlife-friendly fixtures to support healthy habitats.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Watch: TED - The Problem of Light Pollution and 5 Ridiculously Easy Ways to Fix It (13:18 mins)

Dark Site Finder and Light Pollution Map

Light Pollution Basics from Nat Geo
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Leave the Leaves

Fallen leaves, logs, and brush provide shelter and food for wildlife. I will leave natural features in my yard or community space to help strengthen biodiversity and soil resilience.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

A Nature-Friendly Case for Leaving Your Leaves

National Leave the Leaves Month

To Leave (the Leaves) or not to Leave: Survey finds Most People Open to Leaving Leaves to Benefit Wildlife
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Contribute to Community Science

Wildlife observations can help researchers and communities understand and protect biodiversity. I will download a wildlife monitoring app and log (___) animal or plant species I discover.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

iNaturalist: Log a Variety of Species, Including Plants and Animals

Merlin: Easy-to-use App to Identify and Log Birds. eBird: For Advanced Birders to Contribute to Community Science.

Explore Success Stories about Public Participation in Science
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DAILY ACTION
Remove Invasive Species

Removing invasive species (species that are not naturally found in my area and can outcompete native plants) can help beautify nature around me and protect local biodiversity. I will learn about invasive plants in my area and, if possible, support or participate in at least one effort to beautify nature near me by removing invasive species.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Watch: Invasive Species 101 | National Geographic (3:31 mins)

Explore What You Can Do to Stop the Spread While Spending Time Outdoors

Invasive Species 101 - An Introduction to Invasive Species
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DAILY ACTION
Choose Native Plants

Native plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife and help ecosystems adapt to change. I will choose native plants for my yard, balcony, or community space instead of non-native or ornamental species to support biodiversity resilience.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

What is a Native Plant?

Pollinator-Friendly Native Plant Lists

Native Plant Educational Materials
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Plant Trees

Trees are vital for resilience, storing carbon, sheltering biodiversity, and protecting water and soil. I will plant (___) trees in my yard, community, or through a local project to help ecosystems adapt and thrive.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Arbor Day Foundation Tree Finder Tool

8 Tree Care Tips for Young Trees

Tree Planting Tips from Project Learning Tree
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DAILY ACTION
Participate in a Habitat Restoration Project

Healthy habitats support resilient wildlife populations. I will join (___) restoration efforts, such as planting native plants, cleaning a natural area, or repairing trails to protect biodiversity.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Learn About Degraded Land Restoration

Find Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer with the Sierra Club (USA)
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Speak Up for Wildlife Protection

Wildlife needs support from people. I will take (___) actions, such as volunteering, signing petitions, contacting leaders, or sharing information on social media, to help protect habitats and species.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Wildlife Advocacy Toolkit

Ideas for How to Take Action for Wildlife

5 Ways to Advocate for Wildlife
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Donate to Support Wildlife

There are many amazing projects supporting wildlife and their habitats. I will choose a project or organization to support that helps species and habitats I care about and make a donation.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Search for Organizations with Charity Navigator

Explore Wildlife-specific Projects You Can Support with Wildlife Conservation Network

Explore Millions of Philanthropy Options with EarthShare
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ONE-TIME ACTION
CREATE A CUSTOM ACTION

Ideally, you’ll choose at least one measurable goal so that you can measure your success but there are no limits on what you can choose—so exercise your creativity!

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